Waynesville sits at the crossroads of natural wonder, Appalachian heritage, and a thriving local culture, with Elk & Embers right in the middle of it all. From hiking the Smokies and cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway to wandering Waynesville’s popular Main Street and day-tripping to the Biltmore, this is our guide to making the most of your time in Western North Carolina.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains don’t just surround Elk & Embers, they set the stage for everything that happens here. Straddling the Tennessee and North Carolina border, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, where ancient ridgelines dissolve into morning mist, wildflowers carpet forest floors, and the silence between the trees feels like something you can actually hold.
Spanning over 500,000 acres, the park shelters more than 19,000 documented species, including 100 native tree species, over 1,500 black bears, and one of the largest elk herds in the eastern United States.
Whether you’re chasing a waterfall, watching elk graze at dusk, or simply breathing in air that smells like cedar and rain, the Smokies have a way of slowing time down — and reminding you why you came.
Experience the Elk
Western North Carolina has numerous opportunities to experience the wonder of nature, including our famous elk.We can assist you in booking a private tour to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat or you can drive to Cataloochee Valley on your own.
Expert guides share insights about elk behavior, the restoration program, and the valley’s rich Appalachian history while you witness these magnificent animals grazing in open meadows against a backdrop of the Smokies.
The best viewing occurs during fall’s rutting season when bulls bugle and spar, though elk are visible year-round in this pristine mountain sanctuary.
Waterfalls & Wild Rivers
Waynesville sits at the heart of Western North Carolina’s waterfall country, where hundreds of cascades plunge through moss-covered gorges and wild rivers carve their way through ancient mountains.
Within minutes of town, you’ll find everything from roadside waterfalls perfect for a quick stop to remote back country cascades accessible only by trail, each fed by the region’s abundant rainfall and dramatic elevation changes that make this corner of the Appalachians one of the most water-rich landscapes in the eastern United States.
Popular waterfalls to visit in Haywood County and the surrounding areas:
Soco Falls
Sunburst Falls
Graveyard Fields
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
Bridal Veil Falls
Wildcat Falls
Downtown Waynesville
Downtown Waynesville’s Main Street feels like a mountain town should… walkable, locally-owned, and genuinely welcoming. You’ll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, mountain themed stores, and artisan galleries alongside excellent restaurants and breweries like Boojum Brewing, where you can grab a pint on the patio after exploring the shops.
The dining scene ranges from upscale farm-to-table spots to casual mountain fare, with live music often drifting from venues and outdoor patios on weekends.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs just minutes from Elk & Embers, with multiple overlooks and trailheads accessible within a 10-minute drive from our Resort.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise from high-elevation pull-offs, hiking through hemlock forests, or cruising past Mount Pisgah, America’s most scenic drive becomes your gateway to experiencing the Southern Appalachians at their most breathtaking.
Fall brings legendary leaf-peeping, but spring wildflowers and winter’s stark beauty offer equally compelling reasons to explore.
The Biltmore Estate
Approximately 45 minutes from Elk & Embers, the Biltmore Estate is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the American South. Built for George Vanderbilt and designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, the 250-room château is America’s largest home, set against 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain landscape.
Frederick Law Olmsted’s iconic grounds wind through formal gardens, nature trails, and thousands of native rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Add in a celebrated winery, world-class dining, and outdoor adventures, and it’s an easy choice for a day visit from Elk & Embers.
Visit the Biltmore Website here to buy tickets and learn more.
Museums & Theater
Waynesville may be a small mountain town, but its cultural offerings run deep. The crown jewel is the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, housed in the historic Shelton House, a Charleston-style farmhouse built in 1875 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum is open May through October, Thursday through Saturday. Just nearby, the award-winning Haywood Arts Regional Theater offers a full schedule of performances, making for a satisfying afternoon that captures the heart of Appalachian culture without venturing far from Elk & Embers.
Get information on Haywood County Museums
Learn more about the Haywood Arts Regional Theater